With the addition of Jared Allen any one feel that this could be a special group this year? The type of DEF that actually helps fantasy teams win games? Worth taking lets say around 80 or so in drafts? thoughts?

I'm still wary of their pass defense, adding Allen helps put these guys were putrid against the pass last year. Top 10 defense, possibly top 5, not top 2 or 3 though I don't think.

Unless you play in a league that charges for transactions, there is no need to pick any defense before the last round. Just pick up the defense playing the Falcons or Bears each week. I am confident a combination of average defenses playing against bad teams will outscore any one defense.

If you play in a league that charges for transactions, teams are more apt to not cherry pick defenses each week. Last I checked, MN's ADP is 97....meaning they can be taken late 7th or early 8th round. Getting a good defense can get you 4-5 additional points a game (in one of my leagues that is more TD heavy)....the difference between a top five RB and a #20 RB. Problem is, you can't predict which defenses are going to hit and which will miss. Last year's preseason "can't miss" defenses were the Bears and Ravens. The Bears finished tied for fourth and the Ravens were well below average.

So, if it's the 8th round and there is nothing else that you love, take the Vikings.

i will be looking to grab the bears this year...

minn in rd 8? nah

Their pass defense is a bit suspect, but adding Jared Allen will help. It's a lot easier to cover guys for 3 seconds than it is 4. I also like the fact that they play the bears and lions twice as well as green bay with an inexperienced qb twice.

They are ranked as the top defense I think, and I believe in the end they will be one of the top defenses...BUT someone will probably try to draft them in round 8 or 9, so let that person do it and you can shore up on QB/WR/RB depth.